MX-5 GT Ultra Lightweight

Mazda has been trumpeting its "gram strategy" to cut weight on all of its products, and the best example of how this philosophy works is in the new MX-5 GT race car. The roadster, which will compete in the Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship this year, weighs just 1,874 pounds while packing nearly twice the punch of the standard MX-5.

The heavily modified MX-5 engine produces 275 horsepower – enough juice to propel the light-weight roadster to 60 miles per hour in a scant three seconds flat. The race-ready Mazda can also crest 160 mph while looking damn fine with its new Spirited Green paint job.

In order to cut several hundred pounds off the base MX-5, the Jota Sport racing team removed interior components, revised other interior fittings and dipped the car's shell in acid. The doors, like many interior components, are made of carbon fiber and the windows are made of polycarbonate. The racing team also lowered the engine height, adjusted the suspension and added a six-speed paddle shift transmission to aid with handling.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/ultra-lightweight-mazda-mx-5-gt-unveiled-for-british-enduro-raci/

Javelin wrote: "...added a six-speed paddle shift transmission to aid with handling."

Does not compute.

Edit: I understand what they're saying, I just don't like how they said it...

Apparently Jota's is not the first acid-dipped Miata. 949Racing did theirs as well.

Mmmmmm.... so Pretty...

So, when will these be available at dealers?

I just drooled a little bit there!

Can they teach me how to have 4-500 lbs off my car? It really needs it!

I'm always skeptical reading weight numbers, but if that's legit it's really impressive. With an NC no less! They start at around 2600 lbs.

Could I please get one with the regular old engine and no paddle shifters? Honestly, I'd be happy with 180hp in a 1900 pound Miata -- if the price was remotely reasonable.

Why Mazda doesn't do a factory racer (or car in white) option is beyond me.

Charge me for a base Miata gut the interior, add a cage, flash the ECU, give me the 6 speed, give it the limited slip diff with the higher reduction gearing and let her rip!!!

Other than the cage you would just have to skip steps in the assembley line, Process wise very simple.

Shoot skip the cage make it a MazdaSpeed or recommended supplier required and let them go. Have a real, from the factory, Spec class.

no touchy, NO TOUCHY!!!!

Dipping it in acid...

what the heck... around here we just let them rust...

How much weight does the acid dip actually save? That sounds pretty crazy. [this isn't the first I've heard of the process, I just always think ... is that really worthwhile??]

That is pretty cool!

Still a girls car.

dculberson wrote: How much weight does the acid dip actually save? That sounds pretty crazy. [this isn't the first I've heard of the process, I just always think ... is that really worthwhile??]

Weight savings are contingent on the car getting dipped. In many cases it's worth it (if yu can afford) when dealing with minimum weight specs. Dipping a chassis sheds some pounds that can be added back in places where it does more good, like lower and closer to center-mass.

It's great to Mazda continue with its' grassroots racing program. There's no better way to groom and maintain and enthusiastic customer base. Too bad Honda and Toyota lost that lovin' feeling, but major kudos to Mazda.

dculberson wrote: How much weight does the acid dip actually save? That sounds pretty crazy. [this isn't the first I've heard of the process, I just always think ... is that really worthwhile??]

I'm 99% sure the acid dip is the standard dip we use when the prod car guys start with a tub. It removed all the paint, seam sealer, undercoating, etc but leaves all the (iron) metal (dissolves aluminum though). Saves some weight, probably more on the mx5 as they probably gooped it up.

Heres my F Prod miata circa 2007:

Kendall

oooh shiny!

Cool, thanks! That makes a lot more sense to me.

FlightService wrote: Why Mazda doesn't do a factory racer (or car in white) option is beyond me. Charge me for a base Miata gut the interior, add a cage, flash the ECU, give me the 6 speed, give it the limited slip diff with the higher reduction gearing and let her rip!!!

Mazda offered a stripped down Miata "Club Sport" back in 2003, intended for autocrossers and club racers. Only about 50 were made yet they were still a sales failure, with many sitting on dealer lots for months and selling only after steep discounts.

The Club Sport wasn't hardcore enough is why it was a sales failure IMO. Look at how Ford handles special racing Mustangs for a good example of how to do this. All orders go through Ford Racing, not a normal dealer (though FR dealers can like TASCA). They have cars specifically designed for certain classes (the CJ for NHRA SS, the Boss 302S for Grand Am, the Boss 302R for GT, etc).

Mazda is going to attempt this with selling a B-Spec Mazda2 through Mazdaspeed, but they really ought to sell an MX-5 Cup Miata and maybe a Grand Am RX-8?

So this is probably a GT4? car

dculberson wrote: How much weight does the acid dip actually save? That sounds pretty crazy. [this isn't the first I've heard of the process, I just always think ... is that really worthwhile??]

110lbs on an E30 M3

That's a lot!

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: 110lbs on an E30 M3

that's a lot of E36 M3

They need to make an "R1" like they did the RX-7. Essentially that car- or even something like the neon ACR package.

0-60 in 3 seconds "flat" (3.0 seconds)? Really? I know it's light, but a Zonda needs 600+ HP to do it in 3.5 seconds. I'm just saying...